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Peripatopsis barnardi represents the first ever species from the little Karoo, which indicates that the area was historically more forested than at present. It is one of seven new species from the Cape Fold Mountains described by researchers from Stellenbosch University. Credit: Savel Daniels A newly discovered velvet worm species is the first ever found in South Africa’s arid Karoo region. In March 2022, Stellenbosch University student Rohan Barnard was exploring a farm in the Swartberg Mountains between Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn, turning over rocks in search of ants, reptiles, and other small creatures. During his search, he made the discovery...

South Africa unveiled the southern hemisphere's largest telescope Thursday. Scientists say it will allow them to study galaxies and stars one billion times too faint to be seen by the naked eye. The South Africa Large Telescope, or SALT, will also be able to record light as dim as a candle flame on the moon. The official unveiling ceremony at Sutherland in South Africa's Karoo's region was attended by scientists and dignitaries, including President Thabo Mbeki. Mr. Mbeki told the crowd that even people who know nothing about astronomy have waited for this new telescope with great anticipation in the...

WASHINGTON - An ancient version of global warming may have been to blame for the greatest mass extinction in Earth's history. In an event known as the "Great Dying," some 250 million years ago, 90 percent of all marine life and nearly three-quarters of land-based plants and animals went extinct. Scientists have long debated the cause of this calamity — which occurred before the era of dinosaurs — with possibilities including such disasters as meteor impacts. Researchers led by Peter Ward of the University of Washington now think the answer is global warming caused by volcanic activity. Their findings are...